Women, exercise, food and sleep: new CSU study

A new study is underway through Charles Sturt University (CSU) this month to examine the relationship between exercise, appetite and sleep.

Key points

- CSU study recruited women aged 25 years to 45 years in Bathurst

- Research participants must be inactive prior to participation in study

- Study will run for six weeks from mid-January

The study is being conducted in conjunction with Central Queensland University, Sydney University, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Sydney.

Dr Skein said, “While previous research has shown there is a relationship between exercise and sleep, less is known about how and why this is the case, and even less is known about the relationship between these factors in women.

“Some theories are related to changes in hormones and chemicals in the brain, but no studies to date have examined the mechanisms in this population group.”

The women in the study are undergoing a range of tests examining sleep, body composition, blood and saliva samples, general health parameters, and cognition at CSU in Bathurst before and after six weeks training.

“We were very keen to create a study that has a community feel, and provides women with an avenue to continue exercising after the study is completed,” Dr Skein said.

“With this in mind, the study would not have been possible without the support of Mark Simons and the staff at Dedicated to Fitness (D2F) who have kindly volunteered gym memberships to these women during the time of the study.”